Asheville Attractions - Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Looking for the perfect mountain getaway?with vibrant hues of red, orange and gold as the
Asheville North Carolina offers great attractions,fall foliage reaches its peak of color in October.
restaurants, National Parks and outdoor activitiesAlong the way, Cowee Overlook offers one of
that are just minutes from the airport. One ofthe most photographed mountain vistas on the
America's favorite mountain towns, Asheville is aparkway. Stop at Graveyard Fields for the short
vibrant, sophisticated and funky art townwalk to a spectacular waterfall, or at the Mount
surrounded by mountain wilderness and popularPisgah Inn for an easy hike to a panoramic view
National Parks that are easy to get to. Ashevilleof mountains extending as far as the eye can
attractions are close to each other, creating ansee.
ideal getaway or vacation destination.Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Downtown AshevilleLittle wonder that Great Smoky Mountains
Asheville has a thriving downtown with a delightfulNational Park is America's most visited national
blend of urban chic and artistic creativity. This is apark. This park is hiking central, offering 800 miles
great town for walking, with an amazing collectionof trails that vary from short walks to strenuous
of elegant buildings from the late 1800s and earlyhikes. Just as popular are car camping, scenic
1900s that house boutique shops, restaurants anddrives, visiting the Oconaluftee Mountain Farm and
art galleries. Some of the best shops and artexploring the historic farms in pretty Cades Cove.
galleries are clustered along Biltmore Avenue, withThe park is noted for its biodiversity, displaying
several outdoor cafes across from pretty Packmore than 1600 types of flowering plants and
Square and the Art Deco City Hall that are greatoffering a chance to see bear, deer and elk in
for people watching. Walk south along Biltmoretheir natural habitat. You may want to pack a
Avenue to Mast General Store for a largepicnic lunch and relax along the banks of a rushing
selection of outdoor gear and clothing and on tomountain stream.
Blue Spiral 1, Asheville's largest art gallery. MoreBiltmore Estate
boutiques, art galleries and cafes line the streetsAsheville's top attraction is the Biltmore Estate
west and north of Pack Square, and be sure towith 8,000 acres of park-like rolling mountain land
include the historic Grove Arcade and charmingand tours of Biltmore House, America's largest
Wall Street in your walk.private home. The Biltmore House is sometimes
Blue Ridge Parkwayreferred to as a castle, as it is reminiscent of a
Outstanding mountain scenery and grand vistasgrand French chateau. The house tour of the 250
make the Blue Ridge Parkway, a designatedroom grandly decorated and furnished mansion is
All-American Road, one of the nation's favoritethe highlight here. Museum quality paintings,
national parks. This scenic two lane road curvestapestries and furnishings collected by the original
around Asheville and through deep green mountainowner, George Vanderbilt, during his world travels
forests and wildflower filled meadows as it followsdecorate every room. Plan on at least half a day
the ridgeline of the Blue Ridge Mountains. One ofto tour the estate, explore the gardens, and taste
the best day trips from Asheville is the 80 milethe wines produced at the Biltmore Winery. Avoid
drive west along the Blue Ridge Parkway to thethe crowds by arriving early, wear comfortable
entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains Nationalshoes and be sure to visit the gardens. There are
Park. In spring pink and red blossoms of Mountainfine restaurants and a food court at the Biltmore
Laurel and Rhododendron line the road for miles,Estate, or head back into Asheville for lunch and
while every autumn the mountains are blanketedshopping.